PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Wayne Arden, Chair of the Transportation Committee and Vice Chair of the New York City Executive Committee of Sierra Club on Anti-Idling Legislation
1:43:24
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123 sec
Wayne Arden, representing the Sierra Club, testified in support of Intro 291, which would increase idling penalties for trucks and buses. He emphasized the need for stricter penalties and enforcement to combat pollution from heavy-duty vehicles.
- Arden highlighted the importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, referencing the recently passed Local Law 140.
- He called for the implementation of congestion pricing to further reduce vehicle emissions.
- The Sierra Club views Intro 291 as a necessary interim measure in the broader effort to reduce transportation emissions in New York City.
Wayne Arden
1:43:24
Good afternoon, Jared Gennaro and members of the Environmental Production Committee.
1:43:28
My name is Wayne Arden.
1:43:29
I'm here to testify on behalf of the Sierra Club, which represents nearly 15,000 members in New York City.
1:43:36
I'm chair of the Transportation Committee and vice chair of the New York City Executive Committee.
1:43:40
We strongly support intro 291, which if passed will increase idling penalties applicable to trucks and buses.
1:43:47
In general, trucks and buses, which are often heavy duty vehicles, pollute disproportionately more than lighter medium duty vehicles.
1:43:55
We have observed that many drivers do not comply with existing anti idling law and thus to improve compliance, both stiffer penalties and more vigilant enforcement are necessary.
1:44:06
We view intro 291 as a much needed but still interim measure.
1:44:12
On September 28th a year ago, the New York City Council voted unanimously in favor of the Zev for New York City Act, which mayor Adams Adams signed into law on October 23rd.
1:44:23
This law, local law 140, accelerates the city's purchase and use of 0 emission vehicles.
1:44:29
Local law 140 should be thought of New York City's North Star regarding transportation emissions.
1:44:35
The best way to reduce the harmful pollution generated by internal combustion engines, whether idling or not idling, is to replace them entirely with sero emission technologies.
1:44:46
In addition, to reduce the pollution generated by idling vehicles, we call upon Governor Hochul to reinstate congestion pricing without delay.
1:44:56
Per Bloomberg, New York City, suffers from the world's worst congestion.
1:45:01
London has implemented congestion pricing and transport for London reports that at the end of 2023, roadside NO2 emissions were 65% lower in Central London and 45% lower in Outer London than in 2016.
1:45:16
In summary, we staunchly support intro 291, but it is one of multiple steps New York City must take to reduce the debilitating effects of transportation emissions.
